Book Review
Medicinal Seasonings: The Healing Power of Spices
Author: Dr Keith Scott isbn 9 780620 359849
This book gives insight into the wonderful healing powers of spices and scientific proof of their mechanisms of action. It is a read both for pleasure and its useful content based on scientific foundation. It tells how to use herbs and spices to improve health and vitality. Particularly addressing diseases afflicting modern society this book will help prevent the onset of chronic disease such as Alzheimers disease, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. He also discusses obesity and aging.
It has a clear layout and is easy to read. It is accessible to the general reader and has sufficient rigour to satisfy the scientific mind. The bibliography is not included in the book but is easily accessible on-line www.medicalseasonings.com.
There are four parts to the book. The introduction offers context and history and safety issues. Part Two gives details of the mechanisms of action of the plants and applies them to individual diseases. Part Three addresses disease prevention properties of twenty three individual spices. Many of these we are familiar with as culinary spices including Turmeric, Ginger, Black Pepper and Cinnamon. There is a summary of fourteen other herbs in Table format.
One disappointing factor is that suggested amounts for prevention or treatment are not included, there is only a suggestion to take in the amounts used in that of their native cuisine. Given that Asian cuisine can use up to fifteen grams of spices per day that gives some latitude. ‘Variety is the spice of life’ is a good maxim as these substances have always been taken in small amounts with food. According to the author these herbs and spices have a lot more to offer a ‘balanced diet’ than simply colour and flavour, they offer health and taste. He emphasises it is the whole herb and spice that has the enviable safety record for health and treatment. Not extracts or altered nutraceuticals as the synergy (teamwork) of the components is complex and may well be beneficial therapeutically as well as important for safety.
Written By: Dr Dilis Clare GP and Medical Herbalist, Galway. Tel:091 5883260
www.healthandherbs.ie email;
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President of Irish Institute of Medical Herbalists www.iimh.org
Clinical Teaching Fellow NUIG Medical School.
Cork Institute of Technology offer BSc courses in Herbal Sciences
Jointly accredited MSc in Clinical Herbal Medicine commences 2009
